Kpbs Midday Edition

San Diego State’s coronavirus cases will continue to be counted in the county’s total, the state said, because students can contribute to the spread of the disease. Plus, getting the facts right about California’s Senate Bill 145, signed into law by Governor Newsom, which will give judges expanded discretion to determine whether someone must register as a sex offender. Also, the Navy is looking into whether systemic racism is a part of the reason why only a handful of African Americans reach top jobs. In addition, the Trump administration may be pushing more expats living in Mexico to vote this year. And, after canceling in March, the San Diego Latino Film Festival relaunches today, virtually. Finally, as part of the last episode of this year’s Summer Music series, we present Indian K, a hip-hop artist who’s also a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our public education system. All students and their families are experiencing learning challenges but, the public health emergency is shedding light on a pre-existing crisis in educational equity for vulnerable student groups.

On a trip to California to survey the devastation of the recent wildfires, President Donald Trump ignored the scientific consensus that climate change is playing a central role in West Coast infernos. Plus, California State Senate President Toni Atkins reflects on this year’s legislative session and what lawmakers accomplished and left on the table. Also, a KPBS analysis of the data released by the county found nightlife hotspots were also hotspots for community outbreaks of COVID-19. In addition, UC San Diego is one of two UC campuses rolling out a smartphone pilot program to warn people of COVID-19 exposure. And, a look into the document fabrication that was the basis of a now-retracted news report about a former city councilmember’s role in the troubled 101 Ash Street real estate deal. Finally, because of the pandemic, San Diego Repertory Theatre is turning the play. “A Weekend with Pablo Picasso,” into a film.

Historically, hate groups have targeted the armed forces, wanting access to the skills and the prestige associated with military service. That threat has been growing in the last couple of years.

The terrible toll of California's wildfires became more evident as 10 were reported dead and others missing. Plus, while much else in San Diego has been allowed to gradually reopen amid the pandemic, playgrounds appear to be closed indefinitely. And our weekend arts and culture picks include the San Diego Blues Fest and North Coast Rep's new production of “Necessary Sacrifices.”

Freak natural disasters — most with what scientists say likely have a climate change link — seem to be everywhere in 2020. But experts say natural disasters could get worse in the future. Plus, an audit of SANDAG alleges problems with hiring, promotions and upper management’s compensation. And a new report by SDSU’s Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies estimates 260,000 COVID-19 cases are linked to a motorcycle rally in South Dakota. Also, a virtual KPBS event delves into childcare challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, the Voices of Our City Choir is featured on KPBS’ Summer Music Series.

In total, the fire has destroyed 20 homes and 17 other structures and resulted in two minor injuries to firefighters CalFire said. Plus, State data released Tuesday shows San Diego County is regressing in its fight against COVID-19. The county is perilously close to slipping into the "widespread" tier like much of the rest of the state. And with the threat of blackouts back in the news, some people now have questions about whether it's worth getting solar panels and energy storage batteries. Plus, a group of VA psychologists across the country have formed race-based stress and trauma support groups for veterans of color. Finally, La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW, or Without Walls, Festival moves online with “Portaleza.”

The Valley Fire has burned thousands of acres and destroyed about a dozen homes as new evacuations have been ordered in eastern San Diego County. Also, San Diego State University is reporting hundreds of COVID-19 infections since August 24 and UC students and faculty are protesting the university’s plan to reopen its campus, local scientists are calling out the FDA commissioner saying he ‘cherry picked’ COVID-19 plasma data, the University of California has taken the lead on phasing out single-use plastics, and a guide to San Diego's first design week.

The Valley Fire in the Japatul Valley exploded over the weekend, jumping from just a few hundred acres to over 10,000 with only about 1% contained on Monday morning. And while prisoners have been able to join fire-fighting crews for years, many former prisoners still find it difficult to land a professional fire-fighting job. But last week, the California legislature passed a bill that would make it easier for them to get a job on the outside. Also, many Latino workers are finding it difficult to stay afloat financially and maintain housing security during the pandemic, and that could impact their ability to fill out the census. During fire season, smoke becomes a problem for everyone. But, some low-income communities of color could be more vulnerable to damaging smoke-filled air. And, what does fire season mean for California’s old state parks and centuries-old trees? A profile of Big Basin Redwoods State Park serves as a reminder of just how much Californians care about their local nature.

There have been 240 coronavirus outbreaks in San Diego County since the start of the pandemic, according to new information released by the county. But, the county is still keeping the specific locations of those outbreaks secret. Plus, the parts of San Diego County that have seen the highest rates of COVID-19 infection also contain the schools serving the vulnerable student groups who need in-person learning the most. And in San Diego art events this weekend, you'll find new plays by emerging and acclaimed voices in Latinx theater, a couple of in-person visual art experiences, and an instrumental rock performance live streamed from an empty venue.

All 200 of SDSU’s in-person classes — mostly lab work classes — would move online after 64 students tested positive for COVID-19. Students who live in campus housing may move out if they want. Plus, UC San Diego Health is recruiting participants for a national clinical trial as part of an effort to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by the end of the year. And as Mayor Kevin Faulconer gets close to signing a new deal with a private company, activists push for “municipalization,” which means the city takes over the power grid. Also, the number of people dying at home from complications of COVID-19 are climbing in San Diego County and some victims did not get the medical care they needed or received false negative test results. Finally, San Diego songwriter Al Howard has teamed up with his mother, the artist Marian Howard to create a multimedia project: He’s writing 100 songs each accompanied by her original watercolor painting.

In spite of unprecedented public support for police reform measures after the death of George Floyd, California legislators failed to pass a majority of the police reform bills up for a vote this week. Plus, plasma is being used to treat coronavirus patients here and across the country, with fresh encouragement from the FDA. But do plasma treatments work? Also, San Diego Police have released seven out of eight videos of police shootings since July 2019. But one video hasn't been released and it's not clear why. Finally, KPBS’ Rad Scientist podcast profiles Melonie Vaughn, a rising second year neuroscience PhD student at UC San Diego. Vaughn’s desire to study neurodevelopmental disorders stems from watching her austic brother struggle with school and social relationships.

On the last day of session Monday night, California lawmakers passed bills for eviction relief, police oversight and accountability and COVID-19 aid. These have been sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom for approval. Plus, some UC San Diego doctors and scientists are urging county officials to delay reopening more businesses. Also, a 2019 law mandates California police departments must release videos when an officer fires their weapon. However, the videos are edited and don't contain all of the footage. And South Bay teachers are trying to bridge the digital divide for English language learners as the school year begins with distance learning. Plus, the median home price in San Diego County is rising despite widespread unemployment. Finally, Horrible Imaginings Film Festival kicks off its online event tonight. The festival is dedicated to horror, sci-fi and fantasy genre films.

After receiving Gov. Newsom’s go-ahead, San Diego County is reopening indoor businesses like movie theaters, gyms and museums with required safety measures on Monday. Plus, parents, teachers and students are getting ready to resume in-person class Sept. 1 in some parts of San Diego County. Also, several veterans speak about the scope and impact of racial bias in the U.S. military.

San Diego Unified School District is preparing to start off the 2020-21 school year with remote learning. However, children with learning challenges may be offered in-person sessions. Plus, 1986’s “Top Gun” inspired a boom in military recruitment. Will its 2021 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” do the same despite the changing perceptions of warfare today? Also, this weekend in San Diego art events includes San Diego Festival of Books, surf rock duo Puerto livestreaming from the Casbah’s stage, The Rosin Box’s August Series and a tapestry by Carlos Castro Arias.

In protest against systemic racism and the police shooting of Jacob Blake, players in the NBA, MLB, WNBA and MLS have refused to play to raise the social justice awareness. Plus, after the killing of George Floyd, the U.S. military is taking a look at how it is dealing with the issues surrounding race. KPBS military reporter Steve Walsh will moderate a panel discussion Thursday at 6 p.m. with leaders working with the U.S. military to address racial bias. Also, scientists know a lot more about the novel coronavirus than they did a few months ago. One infectious disease specialist answers KPBS listeners’ questions about COVID-19. And, on this week’s edition of our Summer Music Series, local soul trio Thee Sacred Souls use their voices for social change in the song, “Give Us Justice.”

As a result of the pandemic and its fallout on the local economy, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the county’s largest budget ever. Plus, Travis View, the San Diego-based host of podcast “QAnon Anonymous” breaks down the conspiracy theory. Also, flu shots can protect lung health during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, a petition to add minority perspectives to Coronado school curriculum has gathered thousands of signatures and inspired a counter-petition. And, heat waves aren’t new to San Diego but the recent high humidity is. Finally, it’s been nearly 50 years since the Chicano activist group the Brown Berets camped out on Catalina Island for three weeks demanding that undeveloped land be turned into housing.

A new policy causing hours-long border wait times was meant to deter unnecessary crossings but it’s affecting essential workers who cross daily. Plus, Supervisor Jim Desmond, who represents a large part of North County, has questioned the county's COVID-19 restrictions. On his podcast, he's also invited controversial guests who have made false statements about the coronavirus without being challenged. Also, the first day of kindergarten is a rite of passage for children. But the inequities in how different families can approach virtual kindergarten could have some real life consequences for kids in the future. And, the San Diego Film Office is up and running again with new COVID-19 guidelines for filming in San Diego.

As the Republican National Convention starts, what voters can expect in contrast to the Democratic Convention. Plus, as the new school year begins, some students are returning to campus at San Diego State, will the university avoid the fate of other schools where young students ignored health warnings and socialized in mass gatherings? Also, a video produced 30 years ago showing a young Tony Krvaric, who is the chairman of the county Republican Party, with images of Adolf Hitler and Nazi imagery resurfaces. In addition, battling the many wildfires around the state is a tough enough job as it is and the pandemic is adding to the challenge. And, what happens to our brains when suddenly nothing is normal, such as in a pandemic? Hint: mostly our brains adapt. Finally, the plucky local roller-derby organization, Derby United, opened its outdoor, two-rink facilities just weeks before the pandemic forced them to shut down. Now, they’re pivoting to keep the skates rolling.

With the shortened census deadline approaching and fears about a possible undercount, the United Way of San Diego County organized a car caravan Friday to increase census participation in historically hard to count communities. Also, millions of older Californians live in wildfire prone areas and most are on their own. And, chamber music, a drive-in with a Disney film and a new cross-border mural project, it’s all happening this weekend.